Stanton leaves on top

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PSC Golf from The Golf Club

Monday, June 15, Green Valley (white tees) – Stableford

1st Darren Stanton (21) 33pts

T2nd Stephen Dunn (0) 32pts

T2nd John Hutt (23) 32pts

It has been a very busy weekend as we found ourselves mesmerized by the unusual, but fabulous, Chambers Bay golf course, home to the 2015 U.S. Open.  Getting up at 6:00 AM to watch a good 4 hours of live golf was well worth it, and a dozen or so of us did just that.  We also now have a PVR so have recorded the final day to play over and over again.  I think now it is plain to see why we play “ball in the hole” and no “gimme’s” as we watched Dustin Johnson hand it on a silver platter to Jordan Speith by missing a 2 foot putt for the trophy.

Phil Smedley congratulates John Hutt and Darren Stanton.Phil Smedley congratulates John Hutt and Darren Stanton.

Today was another winner at Green Valley as the course was in perfect condition.  We saw John Hutt continue his purple patch and come in with 32 Stableford points to tie Stephen “Scooter” Dunn for second place.  The winner was TGC resident Darren Stanton in his last round of golf in Pattaya for a while as he shifts back to Sydney to replenish the coffers.  If you recall, Darren won our Monthly Medal in March and this win was perfect timing to end his holiday in Thailand.  Don’t you just love a happy ending?

Tuesday, June 16, Parichat Links (white tees) – Stableford

This was an invitational tournament provided by the Parichat management, so four of us went out to play Pattaya’s newest track, Parichat International Golf Links.  For a course that has just opened, it was in remarkably good condition and shows loads of potential.  The temporary clubhouse was just fine and the new hotel/clubhouse facility already has the foundation pilings down.  The staff went out of their way to make us feel at home and the buffet dinner provided was top quality.

The golf course was very interesting, but hidden water will make your first round there a challenge.  Do not let that get you frustrated, this is a unique layout for Pattaya and a welcome addition to the courses here.  It is actually quite a different style and I enjoyed it very much even though I played poorly.

Tee boxes were Siam quality and fairways reminded me of Kabinburi, they were so pristine.  They have a summer promotion for 1,400 baht which includes green fee, caddy fee and buggy and yes, all 18 holes are now open, so give it a try, it’s a bargain!

Friday, June 19, Phoenix (white tees) – Mountain/Ocean

1st Kenny Aihara (2) 35pts

T2nd Peter Thomas (18) 32pts

T2nd John Hutt (23) 32pts

Phoenix was the easy destination for today’s competition and a nice (fairly) cool day was ahead of us.  A couple of weeks ago we really had some stifling hot weather, but now the heat is manageable and humidity is down as well.

Today Phil got a break from the driving and we hired 2 vans from Khun Sangket to take us up near Buddha Mountain.  Phoenix is in such a beautiful setting and those stunning views always impress the new visitors, but unfortunately we take it all for granted.  We are lucky to live in the best golf destination in all of Asia, are we not?

There are 3 guys on top of the leaderboard that surely think so.  John Hutt once again came through and continues to amaze.  We don’t call it age, we call it experience!  Well played mate.  Another Englishman, Peter Thomas, made a return to the podium to share that second place with John, but it was the famous Kenny Aihara, now down to a 2 handicap, who stole the thunder with a nifty 35 on the card.  Must be all of that broccoli Ken!

Note: The Golf Club is located on Soi LK Metro.  Just call 085 434 3377 or see our website www.golfclubpattaya .com and for more information mail us: [email protected] and see updates at www.facebook.com/golfclubpattaya… all handicaps welcome!